The London landmark whose clock traditionally marks midnight during the city’s televised New Year’s Eve celebrations is Big Ben.
Big Ben is the nickname commonly used for the great bell in the Elizabeth Tower at the Palace of Westminster. Strictly speaking, the name refers to the bell rather than the clock, tower, or clock face. In everyday speech, however, “Big Ben” is often used for the entire landmark.
London’s New Year celebration commonly features the clock’s midnight chimes followed by fireworks along the River Thames. The London Eye, bridges, and nearby waterfront form important viewing areas, but the clock chimes provide the familiar time signal.
The Elizabeth Tower was previously called the Clock Tower and was renamed in 2012 in honor of Queen Elizabeth II. Big Ben’s sound has also been broadcast by the BBC, helping make it internationally recognizable.